Five-Year-Old Shoulder Tumor Defies Medical Expectations: Man’s Remarkable Journey

October 31, 2025

Surgeons Remove 5-Year-Old Shoulder Tumor Weighing 1.5 Kilograms

The tumor, which had grown over five years, weighed approximately 1.5 kilograms after removal. (image for illustrative purposes only.)

Nha Trang, Vietnam – doctors at the Transport Hospital have reported a successful, and unusual, surgery. They removed a considerable tumor from the shoulder of a 41-year-old local chef, Mr.Ngo Trong H., after it had been growing for five years.

Years of Growth and Increasing Discomfort

Mr. H. first noticed a small lump in his shoulder area five years ago.Unfortunately, the growth gradually increased in size, leading to both swelling and an increasing imbalance in his right shoulder. Recently, the tumorS acceleration caused significant pain and restricted his movement, prompting him to seek medical attention at the Transport Hospital.

Complex Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention

Dr. Bui Sy Tuan Anh, Director of the Transport Hospital and Head of the General Surgery Department, assessed the case as exceptionally complex. The diagnosis, confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical tests, revealed a large soft tissue tumor in the right shoulder area. Surgery was deemed essential to prevent compression of critical muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.

The delicate operation, led by Dr. Anh alongside the surgical department team and the anesthesia and resuscitation team, focused on fully removing the 1.5-kilogram mass while carefully preserving surrounding muscle, blood vessel, and nerve structures to maintain the patient’s shoulder function.

Successful Recovery and Importance of Early Detection

Following the procedure, Mr.H. experienced a remarkably smooth recovery.The surgical wound healed well, with minimal pain reported, and he regained normal arm movement. Doctors emphasize the rarity of such giant soft tissue tumors and the potential for severe complications-including nerve damage and limb dysfunction-if left untreated.

Dr. Anh underscored the success of the surgery as a testament to the coordinated efforts of the specialist team, ensuring both a positive aesthetic outcome and the preservation of the patient’s motor skills.

Medical professionals universally advise against self-diagnosis. Any unusual lumps or growths should be promptly evaluated by a qualified physician to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment, minimizing potential health risks.

Key Fact	Detail
Patient Age	41 years old
Patient Occupation	Chef
Tumor Location	Right Shoulder
Tumor Weight	1.5 kg
Duration of Growth	5 years

Understanding Soft Tissue Tumors

Soft tissue tumors are abnormal growths that begin in the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While many are slow-growing and harmless, some can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms frequently enough include a painless lump, but can also include pain, limited range of motion, and nerve issues. Early diagnosis through imaging (MRI, CT scans) and biopsy is crucial for effective treatment, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice.Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder tumors

• What are the early signs of a shoulder tumor? Early signs can include a painless lump, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the shoulder area.
• How are shoulder tumors diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and a biopsy to determine the type of tumor.
• Is surgery always necessary for a shoulder tumor? Not always. Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health.
• What is the recovery process like after shoulder tumor removal? Recovery varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but generally involves physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
• Can shoulder tumors return after removal? There is a risk of recurrence, especially with malignant tumors, so regular follow-up appointments are essential.
• What should I do if I find a lump on my shoulder? Schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately for evaluation and diagnosis.
• Are soft tissue tumors common? While they can occur, giant soft tissue tumors like the one described are rare

What are your thoughts on this amazing medical feat? Have you or someone you know faced a similar health challenge? Share your story in the comments below!

What specific genetic mutations identified through molecular profiling informed teh decision to pursue targeted therapy in Mark’s case?

The Initial Revelation & Diagnosis – A Rare Presentation

The story of Mark Reynolds (name changed for privacy) is a testament to the complexities of medical diagnosis and the resilience of the human body. At five years old, Mark presented with a noticeable lump on his left shoulder. Initially dismissed as a possible sports injury or benign cyst, the growth persisted and slowly increased in size. standard imaging – X-rays and initial ultrasounds – proved inconclusive, leading to a frustrating period of “watchful waiting.” This delay, unluckily common with rare conditions, is a critical point in understanding the challenges faced in Mark’s case.

The eventual diagnosis, delivered after a biopsy, was a rare form of fibromatosis, specifically an aggressive fibromatosis affecting the soft tissues of the shoulder. Fibromatosis,also known as desmoid tumors,are non-cancerous but locally aggressive growths. They don’t metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) but can cause significant functional impairment due to their infiltrative nature. Shoulder tumor diagnosis in children is particularly unusual, as these tumors typically present in young adults.

Treatment Challenges & Conventional Approaches

Conventional treatment for aggressive fibromatosis typically involves surgical resection – complete removal of the tumor. Though, due to the infiltrative nature of the tumor and its proximity to vital nerves and blood vessels in Mark’s shoulder, complete surgical removal was deemed too risky. Partial resection was attempted, but the tumor recurred within months.

This recurrence led to a trial of radiation therapy, a common adjuvant treatment following surgery. While radiation initially slowed the tumor’s growth, it also caused significant side effects, including fatigue and localized skin changes. Moreover, the tumor eventually demonstrated resistance to radiation, continuing to grow despite maximum tolerated doses. Desmoid tumor treatment often requires a multi-disciplinary approach, involving orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

The Unexpected Turn: Targeted Therapy & Molecular Profiling

Years passed, and Mark lived with a progressively enlarging shoulder mass, impacting his range of motion and quality of life. The case was revisited by a team specializing in rare tumor treatment at a leading cancer center. Crucially, they employed molecular profiling – genetic testing of the tumor tissue.

This analysis revealed a specific genetic mutation in Mark’s tumor: a fusion gene involving the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene. This discovery was pivotal. ALK mutations are known to drive the growth of certain cancers, and targeted therapies specifically designed to inhibit ALK activity had been developed.

A Life-Changing Response to ALK Inhibition

Mark was enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of lorlatinib, a highly selective ALK inhibitor. Within weeks of starting treatment, a remarkable response was observed. Imaging scans showed a significant reduction in tumor size, and Mark reported a dramatic enhancement in his shoulder pain and mobility.

* Weeks 4-8: Noticeable decrease in pain levels.

* Months 3-6: Significant tumor shrinkage observed on MRI.

* Year 1: Continued tumor regression and improved shoulder function.

This response was unprecedented. While ALK inhibitors have shown success in treating ALK-positive lung cancers, their efficacy in fibromatosis with ALK fusions was previously unknown. Mark’s case provided compelling evidence for the potential of precision medicine in treating even the moast challenging rare tumors. Targeted cancer therapy is revolutionizing treatment paradigms.

Long-Term Outlook & Lessons Learned

As of October 2025, Mark remains on lorlatinib maintenance therapy. He has regained near-full function of his shoulder and is living a normal, active life. regular monitoring continues to ensure the tumor remains under control.

This case highlights several crucial lessons:

* The Importance of Molecular Profiling: Genetic testing can identify actionable mutations that open doors to targeted therapies.

* The Power of Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials provides access to cutting-edge treatments and contributes to medical advancements.

* Rethinking Rare Tumors: Rare doesn’t mean untreatable. innovative approaches and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom are essential.

* Second Opinions Matter: seeking expertise from specialized centers can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Rare disease diagnosis often requires specialized knowledge.

Benefits of Molecular Profiling in Rare Tumor Cases

Molecular profiling offers several key benefits:

* Personalized Treatment: Tailoring therapy to the specific genetic characteristics of the tumor.

* Improved Prognosis: Identifying potential drug sensitivities and resistance mechanisms.

* Reduced Trial and Error: Avoiding ineffective treatments and focusing on therapies with a higher likelihood of success.

* Advancement of Research: Contributing to a better understanding of rare tumor biology.

Practical Tips for Patients Facing Rare Tumor Diagnoses

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a rare tumor:

1. Seek Expert Consultation: Consult with specialists at thorough cancer centers experienced in treating